DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal: support for older people affected by the disaster

Published on 07 April 2025 04:50 PM

Age International is raising money together with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) for the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, which launched on Thursday 3 April.

On Friday 28 March, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar. Thousands of people have been killed or injured, and homes, hospitals, schools, airports and power supplies have been destroyed. Families are sleeping outside in fear of further aftershocks, and entire regions are without access to clean water and essential services.

“I am feeling heartbroken because I no longer have a home to return to—the earthquake completely destroyed it. I was injured in my leg while trying to escape, and the pain is still with me. Everything happened so suddenly. Now, I’m staying at the monastery with others who have also lost everything. I don’t know what will happen next. I feel lost and helpless, and we urgently need clean water and hygiene support while staying here.”

U Nyein, 70, Myanmar

Even before the earthquake, Myanmar was facing a humanitarian crisis. More than 19 million people – a third of the population – were already in need of humanitarian support. Years of ongoing instability had already devastated essential infrastructure and people’s access to basic services.

In disasters like these, older people are among those most at risk. Many live with chronic medical conditions or a disability, making it difficult to flee danger, queue for life-saving supplies or access emergency healthcare. Myanmar and the wider region are also experiencing intense heat, which could increase the risk of dehydration and illness. Unfortunately, older people’s specific needs are often forgotten or overlooked in the efforts to deliver urgent support.

As a proud member of the DEC, Age International is working with our long-standing local partner to ensure that older people and their families receive life-saving support such as food, shelter, and clean water. We will also provide long-term assistance as communities begin to recover and rebuild.

Thanks to the generosity of the UK public, the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal has already raised over £12 million to support people affected by the disaster. This includes a generous donation from Their Majesties The King and Queen, patrons of Age UK and The Silver Line respectively.